Mr Akpan Etop, HPV Consultant for the Clinton Health Access Initiatives (CHAI), disclosed that 380,671 girls received the Human Papilloma Virus (HPV) vaccine against cervical cancer in Anambra.
Etop, who gave the statistics on Tuesday at a stakeholders’ engagement meeting for HPV Vaccine Intensification in Awka, said 95,993 girls were missed during the vaccination campaign.
The meeting was organised by the Anambra State Primary Health Care Development Agency (ASPHCDA) in collaboration with the State Ministry of Health, CHAI and other partners.
He said the 95,993 girls were missed due to rejections, vaccine hesitancy and parents refusing to give their consent.
“Due to high burden of cervical cancer in the country, the Federal Government introduced the free HPV vaccination.
“The first phase was introduced in 15 states including the federal capital in October 2023 while the second Phase was introduced in 21 states in May 2024.
“Over 12 million girls have been vaccinated in Nigeria and we still have about five million unvaccinated girls. While in Anambra, a total of 380,671 girls were vaccinated and 95,993 yet to be vaccinated.
“CHAI is supporting the government through stakeholders’ engagement and community outreaches to ensure that the missed girls are vaccinated to protect them against cervical cancer,” he said.
Etop said the HPV vaccine had been integrated into routine immunisation schedule at health facilities for easy accessibility.
He urged religious and community leaders as well as parents to support and align with the concept of protecting the girls against cervical cancer.
Earlier in his address, Dr Nnamdi Uliagbafusi, Director, Disease Control and Immunisation Department, ASPHCDA, said the HPV vaccine was safe and had no major side effects.
Uliagbafusi said: “HPV vaccine prevents cervical cancer, economic loss and even death. It is safe for our girls and I urge parents to encourage their girls to get vaccinated.
“In Anambra, we have not recorded any major side effects since the vaccination campaign started. We appeal to all stakeholders especially religious leaders to support the campaign,” he said.
Mrs Uju Onwuegbuzina, Anambra State Health Educator, said the meeting was to share lessons from previous HPV campaign, review progress and challenges, as well as improve vaccination coverage in the state. (NAN)
